Probiotics for Pediatric Patients
Probiotics are bene cial bacteria normally present in the digestive tract. These friendly bacteria promote gut health, help prevent an overgrowth of yeast and other pathogens, and create a positive environment for the manu- facture of B-complex vitamins and vitamin K. Common strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bi dobacte- rium bi dum. Cultured or fermented foods (such as buttermilk, yogurt, ke r, and tempeh) are also sources of these bene cial bacteria.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
DISEASE MOST APPROPRIATE DOSAGE/FORM DIRECTIONS PRODUCT STRAIN S RECOMMENDATIONS
Antibiotic Associated S.boulardi, Lactobacillus 20 to 100 billion CFU Stagger dose with anti- • Proboulardi from Diarrhea GG, and Bi dobacterium (colony forming units) per biotic dosing. Duration Metagenics bi dum L.acidophilus day. Powdered form or ranges from 2 weeks to 3 • Ultra Flora Plus DF from B.Lactis decapsulated for younger months. Rule of thumb: Metagenics children. Can be mixed take probiotic for at least • Florasmart from Renew with food (i.e. applesauce twice as long as antibiotic Life or yogurt). therapy lasted. • ABx Support from Klaire
Clostridium di cile S.boulardi and 10 billion CFUs per day 2 capsules per day in • Jarrow S.Boulardi Lactobacillus GG addition to prescribed antibiotic
Gastroenteritis Lactobacillus GG Powdered form or 10 to 14 days at 10 billion • iFlora Powder by decapsulated for younger CFUs per day Sedona children. • Culterelle by Amerifi t Nutrition
Ear Infections Streptococcus Salivarius 1 billion CFUs 1 to 4 lozenges per day • E.N.T Biotic Lozenges by Protocol for Life Balance
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lactobacillus Plantarum 225 to 450 billion CFUs 1 to 2 capsules per day or • VSL #3 packets or 299v per day ½ to 1 packet per day capsules by Sigma Tau
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS Follow label instructions. Some products are shelf stable while others require refrigeration.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS Most common side e ects are gassiness and bloating, typically resolving itself after about two weeks of probiotic usage.
Apothecary by Design | 84 Marginal Way, Suite 10, Portland, Maine 04101 | PH: 207-899-0886 | FX: 207-773-2942 Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) for Pediatric Patients
Omega-3 EFAs promote and support the health and function of our cardiovascular, central nervous and immune systems as well as our brain, retina and joints. They are typically found in coldwater sh, seeds, nuts, and their oils. The three types of Omega-3 EFAs are Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexae- noic Acid (DHA). ALA is a medium-chain fatty acid derived from plant sources while the long-chain fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are predominantly sourced from sh or krill. Since our bodies require preformed long-chain fats for optimal health and the typical American eats very little fatty sh, supplementation is strongly suggested.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
DISEASE/APPLICATION DOSAGE/FORM BEST TAKEN WITH A MEAL PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Breastfeeding 1 to 2 grams per day of EPA and DHA combined. • Prenatal DHA Capsules by Nordic Naturals Higher ratio of DHA to EPA recommended with a • Vegetarian DHA by Source Naturals minimum of 300 mg of DHA. • Neuromins by Natures Way
Children’s Supplement ¼ tsp. liquid sh oil daily for infant (6-9 months of • Carlson for Kids Fish Oil age). ½ tsp. daily for children 1-2 years old. 1 tsp. • Pure Encapsulations Cod Liver Oil Lemon daily for children over 2 years.
Body weight : 5 to 10 lbs — 1ml • Nordic Naturals Baby’s DHA with Vitamin D3 11 to 20 lbs — 2 ml 21 to 25 lbs — 3ml 26 to 35 lbs — 4ml
Eczema 6 grams per day of EPA/DHA combined until • Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega (0il or capsules) improvement is seen then titrate down by 2 grams to maintenance dose of 2 grams/day
Asthma 2 grams per day of EPA/DHA combined • Carlson Very Finest Fish Oil • Metagenics EPA-DHA Extra Strength (capsules)
ADD/ADHD 2 grams per day of EPA/DHA combined • Nordic Naturals DHA Junior Strawberry
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS Follow label instructions. Store in dark container in the refrigerator, freezer, or cool cabinet.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS May experience a shy aftertaste or repeating. Typically is managed by ensuring product quality and refrigeration/ freezing allowing product to dissolve lower in the GI tract.
Contraindicated due to clotting disorders or allergies.
Apothecary by Design | 84 Marginal Way, Suite 10, Portland, Maine 04101 | PH: 207-899-0886 | FX: 207-773-2942 Vitamin D for Pediatric Patients
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and is critical for bone growth and remodeling. It also supports im- mune health and plays a key role in helping to reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. While vitamin D is found in milk, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and some other forti ed foods like cereal, up to 70% of children in our country are vitamin D de cient (according to a study in Pediatrics journal). Supplementation can help counteract decreased D levels and support disease prevention throughout life.
Vitamin D supplements are recommended for children of all ages to help fi ght disease though doses vary. It is best to refer to the standard recommended dietary allowance (RDAs). Visit the Council for Responsible Nutrition (crnusa.org).
COMMON APPLICATIONS
AGE DOSAGE/FORM BEST TAKEN WITH A MEAL PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Newborn – 2 years old 400 International Units (IU) daily • Baby D Drops from Carlson
2 – 12 years old 600-1000 IU daily • D Drops for Kids from Carlson
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS Contraindicated in kidney and granulomatous disease. Toxicity is a possibility so monitor blood levels including serum calcium and manage by self-correcting and decreasing dose.
Apothecary by Design | 84 Marginal Way, Suite 10, Portland, Maine 04101 | PH: 207-899-0886 | FX: 207-773-2942